Proverbs 7:5

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

That they may keep {H8104} thee from the strange {H2114} woman {H802}, from the stranger {H5237} which flattereth {H2505} with her words {H561}.

so that they can keep you from unknown women, from loose women with their seductive talk.

that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, From the foreigner that flattereth with her words.

Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 7:5

Proverbs 7:5 serves as a critical warning within a larger discourse on the dangers of immorality, specifically focusing on the seductive allure of the "strange woman" or adulteress. This verse highlights the protective power of wisdom and understanding in safeguarding an individual from destructive choices.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom literature, primarily attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart practical wisdom and moral instruction. Chapters 1-9 often present wisdom as a personified figure calling out to humanity, contrasting her path with the destructive ways of folly and temptation. Proverbs 7, in particular, is a vivid narrative portraying a naive young man ensnared by an adulterous woman. Verse 5 is part of the father's earnest plea to his son to adhere to his teachings, thereby gaining protection from such perilous encounters. This warning is not merely about physical danger but about the spiritual and social ruin that accompanies infidelity, a theme echoed throughout the book, as seen in Proverbs 2:16 and Proverbs 5:3.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Protection through Wisdom: The primary message is that embracing wisdom and understanding (from the preceding verses) is the ultimate defense against moral pitfalls. It empowers one to discern and resist temptation.
  • The Deceptive Nature of Immorality: The "strange woman" (or "stranger") is portrayed as someone who "flattereth with her words." This emphasizes that temptation often comes cloaked in appealing, persuasive language rather than outright evil, making it insidious and difficult to resist without a firm moral foundation.
  • Warning Against Adultery: At its core, the verse is a stark warning against sexual sin and infidelity, which were, and remain, destructive to individuals, families, and communities.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strange woman" translates from the Hebrew 'ishshah zarah (ืึดืฉึธึผืื” ื–ึธืจึธื”) or nokriyah (ื ึธื›ึฐืจึดื™ึธึผื”). While literally meaning 'foreign woman,' in the context of Proverbs, these terms often denote someone who is morally alien, an outsider to the covenant community's values, or an adulteress. She is "strange" not necessarily by ethnicity, but by her disregard for divine and societal laws concerning marriage and purity. The emphasis is on her being an outsider to the established moral order, offering a dangerous alternative to the covenant relationship. Her words are described as "flattery," from the Hebrew cheleq (ื—ึตืœึถืง), implying smooth, enticing, and ultimately deceptive speech that lures one into sin.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:5 holds timeless relevance for navigating modern temptations. In a world saturated with appealing but often destructive messages, this verse calls believers to:

  • Cultivate Discernment: Just as the "strange woman" uses flattering words, many contemporary temptations, from inappropriate digital content to deceptive ideologies, use persuasive language to entice. We must develop discernment to recognize and resist these lures.
  • Prioritize Biblical Wisdom: The best defense against moral compromise is a deep grounding in God's Word and a commitment to His principles. This spiritual foundation acts as a shield against the seductions of the world, helping us to flee sexual immorality and other sins.
  • Guard Your Heart and Mind: The verse is a call to protect one's inner life from influences that would lead astray. This involves being mindful of what we consume through media, who we associate with, and how we manage our desires.

Ultimately, Proverbs 7:5 serves as a powerful reminder that true protection comes from heeding wise counsel and actively choosing the path of righteousness over fleeting, deceptive pleasures.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 2:16 (6 votes)

    To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

  • Proverbs 6:24 (4 votes)

    To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

  • Proverbs 5:3 (3 votes)

    For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil: